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Entries with the tag: jim devellano

NEW YORK (September 18, 2009) – Hockey Hall of Fame center Mark Messier, New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter and Detroit Red Wings Senior Vice President Jim Devellano have been named recipients of the 2009 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.

The award, one of the most prestigious in hockey, was presented to the National Hockey League by the New York Rangers in 1966. It honors the memory of Lester Patrick, who spent 50 years in hockey as a player, coach and general manager and was a pioneer in the sport’s development.

Detroit Red Wings Senior Vice-President Jim Devellano will be the guest on today’s edition of NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman. The show is on now, from 4-5 p.m. ET on XM Satellite Radio (204) and Sirius (208).

* While on the air, listeners can call into the show at 1-877-645-6696, or send questions/comments via this email address: nhlhour@nhl.com
**Archived shows available for download via podcast on NHL.com.

“Jimmy was just a little bulldog,” Torrey said. “He didn’t work just during the season, but throughout the year. He’s smart, industrious … nothing but hockey 24 hours a day. I put him in charge of our amateur scouting and player development, and then I made him assistant GM. I made him look so damn good, (Red Wings owner) Mike Ilitch called me and stole him to Detroit.”

It certainly was a tremendous opportunity for Devellano to restore pride to the Detroit franchise. With the Joe Louis Arena less than half-full on most nights, it truly would be the biggest challenge of his career.